Labor Day 2012

Labor Day is celebrated to honor the contribution and achievement of working men and women in United States and Canada. In U.S., the first Labor Day was celebrated in 1882 in New York whereas in Canada, the celebrations started in 1874. Since then it has been observed as an annual holiday in United States and Canada. It is usually celebrated on the first Monday of September in both the nations. The Labor Day in U.S. is considered to be the end of the summer season. Most schools and colleges in northern U.S. let their summer vacations end with the Labor Day. Labor Day Celebrations There are a number of events organized to celebrate the Labor Day. Usually, a street parade involving thousands of workers and their families is taken out. This is followed by festivals and recreational activities for the enjoyment of those involved in the parade. Read on to know about some of the famous Labor Day events in U.S and Canada. Labor Day Events in U.S. Some of the famous events held on the Labor Day in U.S. are: West Indian American Day Parade & Carnival This colorful parade is one of the city’s largest events involving the public. This parade had originally started in Harlem and currently runs through Brooklyn's Eastern Parkway area. It is preceded by events like the children’s carnival and steel drumming. Colorful costumes, calypso performances and Caribbean food are the highlights of this parade. Chicago Jazz Festival The Chicago Jazz Festival started in 1974 as an honor to the late big band leader Duke Ellington. It is one of the most popular Labor Day weekend events held throughout the nation. This festival is organized at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park. There are live performances by musicians who come from all around the nation to attend this event. Los Angeles County Fair This traditional event starts during the Labor Day weekend and continues throughout the month into October. There are carnival rides, horse races and games organized to make the County Fair an exciting one. You’ll also get to see historical and nature exhibits. Besides, you can try out fried foods and good quality beer while you attend this event. Labor Day Events in Canada Popular events held during the Labor Day celebrations in Canada are mentioned below. Victoria Fringe Festival: If you stay in Victoria, British Columbia in Canada, you’ll get to enjoy the Victoria Fringe Festival. This involves theatrical performances, dance and music. In addition, story-telling sessions and magic shows make your celebrations brighter. Wharf Rat Rally in Digby, Nova Scotia: This event is considered to be the most popular motorcycle rally in Atlantic Canada. There are stunts and competitions for you to participate and enjoy. There’s also entertainment to add to your celebrations. Also, you’ll find quality food to savor. Labor Day Party Ideas When it comes to celebrating the Labor Day, you’d certainly want to party with your friends and family. So, you can arrange an indoor or outdoor party and have fun on this special day. If you’d like to invite some guests other than your friends or family, well then you should plan how to arrange the event. If you have a backyard pool, you may arrange the party to be held around it. Just make sure there are plenty of towels and sunscreen for your guests. Also, arrange for flip-flops for your guests to leave their own shoes and wear them instead. It’ll help them carry on with the party around the poolside. Labor Day party is all about relaxing, so let your guests enjoy a drink and move around while the party goes on. However, you can arrange for games like soccer, badminton and volleyball. Kids can run around here and there while the adults can participate in games. To make your party enjoyable, you may try preparing some recipes your guests will relish. Read on to know what recipes you can serve to your guests during the party. Labor Day Recipes Margaritas, fruit salads, burgers and grilled foods are items you may serve to the guests attending your party. You can make the kids happy with candies and ice creams. Frozen yogurt sundaes can be served with poached berries. Here are 2 recipes you can try out on the Labor Day. Glazed Ham: The ingredients for this recipe are 5 pounds of ready-to-eat ham, 1/4th cup of dark corn syrup, 1/4th cup of whole cloves and 2 cups of honey. In addition, you’ll need 2/3rd cup of butter. To start cooking, you need to preheat the oven to 325F. Score the ham and stud with whole cloves. Heat the corn syrup, butter and honey in a boiler. Keep the honey glaze warm and bake the ham for more than an hour. Use the honey glaze to baste the ham every 15 minutes. While the baking is almost over, try to caramelize the glaze. Remove the recipe from the oven and let it sit for some time. Green Beans: To prepare this recipe, you’ll need 1 and 1/2 pounds of trimmed green beans, 1/3 cup of toasted hazelnuts and 1 teaspoonful of olive oil. In addition, you should have 1 and 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon zest. Now, boil salted water in a kettle and cook the beans in it for 3 to 8 minutes. Put the beans in a colander and let the water drain out. Next, add the beans into a large bowl having the olive oil, hazelnuts, zest. Also, add salt and pepper to this mixture. The food is now ready to be served! You may try out different recipes for your guests. But make sure there are drinks to beat the weather conditions. You may have sodas or fruit juices for kids and beer for adults. While you have plans to celebrate the Labor Day, what’s important is to remember its significance and uphold the spirit of this special occasion!